Transportation Bloopers

As stated in a previous entry, our lives in general (but especially in South America) prove to be pleasingly adventurous. While we cannot possibly capture all of our extraordinary moments in a blog, I would like to expand upon a few of our hilarious, frustrating, challenging, dangerous, and (always) adventurous transportation stories.

(Please Note: These take place in Brazil where the official language is Portuguese which neither of us speak nor understand.)

Part 1 - 28 hour bus ride

• After finishing our time in Rio de Janeiro, we decided to head up to a more northern beach in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Finding that buses were the cheapest mode of transportation, we optimistically decided to "enjoy" ourselves on a 28 hour bus ride. Upon arrival to the hectic bus station that felt like it had caught on fire but forgot to burn, we found that the only remaining seats together on the bus were right next to the bathroom .... we each gave a hesitant laugh and proceeded to purchase our tickets. 10 hours later (and with 18 to go), however, we had replaced those smiles with scornful looks to whoever opened the bathroom door. The bus seemed to make a stop every five minutes, but passengers seemed to prefer the onboard bathroom (or the faces we gave them each time they used it). Upon arrival in Salvador, and 2 days of recovery with lying out on the gorgeous beaches of Brazil and drinking as many Coconut waters as possible, we decided never to take a 28 hour bus again.

Part 2 - Taxi Auction

• After a fabulous and relaxing stay in beautiful Salvador, Cora and I were headed out to the Amazon with our flight leaving at 3 a.m. in the morning. In responsible preparation, we had the hostel pre-call a taxi for us so we would have one waiting for us at 12:30 a.m. Everyone at the hostel was extremely helpful; so helpful, that two people called two different taxis. So, we walk outside at 12:30 only to find two taxis eagerly awaiting our expensive trip to the airport. Both come to take our bags and neither speaks English. We look at them, and each is trying to convince us to ride with them (at least, I think thats what they were saying) for about $30 USD. Deciding to use this high supply as a business opportunity (thank you McCombs), I started an auction and ask for a lower price of $25 USD. Easily receiving that, I asked for a lower price. Needless to say, after a hilarious auction in Portuguese, we were left with a taxi for $12 USD, an angry taxi driver with no customer, and lots of laughs because we didn't understand a word.

Obrigada! (One of the only words I speak in Portuguese.....translates to "Thank you!"),

Marlana